Solved run command in search box

[djlm]

Hi all,

I have until recently used windows 7's search box as a "run command" replacement, typing cmd, frontpg, winword, excel, etc.. to open these programs quickly.

Recently my search box stopped working like this and is now only a... search box. If I type CMD it will no longer run command prompt, but will search from CMD within my PC.

I know I can Window+R or even add the run command back to the start menu, but I really want to use the search box for run command as I have been doing.

Any ideas what can cause this and how to fix? I've already searched for virus and malware but nothing found after using 2 different programs and also kapersky's online scan.

Thanks to all.

Kindly,

DJ LM

 

[zigzag3143]

Hi all,

I have until recently used windows 7's search box as a "run command" replacement, typing cmd, frontpg, winword, excel, etc.. to open these programs quickly.

Recently my search box stopped working like this and is now only a... search box. If I type CMD it will no longer run command prompt, but will search from CMD within my PC.

I know I can Window+R or even add the run command back to the start menu, but I really want to use the search box for run command as I have been doing.

Any ideas what can cause this and how to fix? I've already searched for virus and malware but nothing found after using 2 different programs and also kapersky's online scan.

Thanks to all.

Kindly,

DJ LM

Might be an association issue. Try tying in winword.exe


Ken J

 

[Arc]

It should work like a it used to work . It is failing may be due to some system file corruption , I guess . Run http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html , if there is any corruption, that will be fixed .

 

[djlm]

Hi Ken,

Thanks. I've tried that but it still only searched :-(

Best Regards,

DJ LM


Hi Arc,

Running the command now. Will go out to eat and on my return I'll post the result. Many thanks.

Best,

DJ LM

 

[djlm]

Hi,

The SFC /SCANNOW command was quicker thank I though. It's finished, but nothing happened, it just shut down after it ended.

Still not working the run from search box :-(

Thanks for helping either way.

Best,

DJ LM

 

[Hopalong X]

Try a System Restore.
Just in case. It won't hurt anything and may fix. Easy to do.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html

Do you know what day it started? Go back one day from there.
Worth a try.
Mike

 

[Arc]

And finally try http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html (if system restore also fails ) .

 

[marsmimar]

It sounds like you have a corrupt index and you might need to rebuild it.



Improve Windows searches using the index: frequently asked questions

 

[mborner]

Hi all,

I have until recently used windows 7's search box as a "run command" replacement, typing cmd, frontpg, winword, excel, etc.. to open these programs quickly.

Recently my search box stopped working like this and is now only a... search box. If I type CMD it will no longer run command prompt, but will search from CMD within my PC.

I know I can Window+R or even add the run command back to the start menu, but I really want to use the search box for run command as I have been doing.

Any ideas what can cause this and how to fix? I've already searched for virus and malware but nothing found after using 2 different programs and also kapersky's online scan.

Thanks to all.

Kindly,

DJ LM

djlm, I'm not fully understanding your issue. What happens when you type "cmd" in the search box? You don't get a results window? Here's what I get when I try it.



At this point, if I hit enter, the command prompt pops right up. Is this not what you get? What appears in the results window after you type "cmd"?

 

[djlm]

Try a System Restore.
Just in case. It won't hurt anything and may fix. Easy to do.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html

Do you know what day it started? Go back one day from there.
Worth a try.
Mike

It's been going on for over a month now. Using the restore, if it doesn't work can I "unrestore" to my current state before using restore?

And finally try http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html (if system restore also fails ) .

Can I do this without my DVD in the drive? My drive is dead, but I can easily copy the contents to a pendrive on my notebook which has a working dvd drive.

It sounds like you have a corrupt index and you might need to rebuild it.



Improve Windows searches using the index: frequently asked questions

Will test this. I'll report later with results.

Hi all,

I have until recently used windows 7's search box as a "run command" replacement, typing cmd, frontpg, winword, excel, etc.. to open these programs quickly.

Recently my search box stopped working like this and is now only a... search box. If I type CMD it will no longer run command prompt, but will search from CMD within my PC.

I know I can Window+R or even add the run command back to the start menu, but I really want to use the search box for run command as I have been doing.

Any ideas what can cause this and how to fix? I've already searched for virus and malware but nothing found after using 2 different programs and also kapersky's online scan.

Thanks to all.

Kindly,

DJ LM

djlm, I'm not fully understanding your issue. What happens when you type "cmd" in the search box? You don't get a results window? Here's what I get when I try it.

View attachment 114073

At this point, if I hit enter, the command prompt pops right up. Is this not what you get? What appears in the results window after you type "cmd"?

Hi,

This made me think that even the search funcion is not working right, as I get this results, no icons on them, and pressing enter does nothing after typing.




Thanks again to all that replied.

 

[mborner]

Have you tried rebuilding the index as marsmimar suggested? How did that work out for you?

 

[djlm]

Have you tried rebuilding the index as marsmimar suggested? How did that work out for you?

Hi,

Yep I did, and unfortunatelly it did not work.

I guess my last chance would be a repair install which I want to avoid :-(

Thanks for all the help.

Best Regards,

DJ LM

 

[djlm]

It's me again

It seems this is the same problem as me. I didn't realize that my search was wierd too. The same happens when I try to click on a search result, I get the "these files can't be opened" message:

Run a command from Windows 7 Start Menu - Super User

Best,

DJ LM

 

[Hopalong X]

Process of elimination. Since I don't know everything you tried so far.

Lets try this first.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/25343-windows-search-turn-off.html

Second or first make sure your not checked "Don't Search" in the red box below. Click blue Customize to get directions to the "Customize Start Menu" window below.

Stolen from Brinks tutorial
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/36599-search-windows-7-a.html

Note
You can use the search box line in the Start menu to find files, folders, programs, and e‑mail messages stored on your computer. When searching from the Start menu, only files that have been indexed will appear in search results.

You can also adjust these settings below in the Customize Start Menu settings for what is to be included in the search from the Start Menu Search box.

 

[djlm]

Process of elimination. Since I don't know everything you tried so far.

Lets try this first.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/25343-windows-search-turn-off.html

Second or first make sure your not checked "Don't Search" in the red box below.

Stolen from Brinks tutorial
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/36599-search-windows-7-a.html

Note
You can use the search box line in the Start menu to find files, folders, programs, and e‑mail messages stored on your computer. When searching from the Start menu, only files that have been indexed will appear in search results.

You can also adjust these settings below in the Customize Start Menu settings for what is to be included in the search from the Start Menu Search box.

Hello,

The search is on for sure, reading that link indicates that when it's off I wouldn't even see the search field in Windows.

As for the second link, the setting here is just like that, search with public folders marked, and search programs and control panel is ticked.

Thanks for your help.

Best,

DJ LM

 

[Hopalong X]

Okay let me see what else I find for you.
I use the Search as you do but clueless on how it works exactly but I can dig up info for you to check.

Next! I'll list what I find and you can take a look at your set up.
This looks promising.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/36098-search-options-change-restore.html

 

[Arc]

And finally try http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html (if system restore also fails ) .

Can I do this without my DVD in the drive? My drive is dead, but I can easily copy the contents to a pendrive on my notebook which has a working dvd drive.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html

 

[djlm]

I'm going to try this from post #12:

http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/10734-search-start-menu-broken-2.html#post217162

Just gotta wait some processing I'm doing for work to finish first.

Thanks again.

 

[Hopalong X]

Also at the bottom of the tutorials I posted is a list of related tutorials.

Mike

As Arc has posted the Repair install may become the only choice.
I figured these other tutorials were worth a shot first.

 

[djlm]

SOLVED MY GOOD FRIENDS, SOLVED.

Post #12 here is what did it:
http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/10734-search-start-menu-broken-2.html#post217162

Many thanks to all that replied here. My best regards to all and have a great week.